Vocabularies

English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples

mediocrity definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
ˌmiː.diˈɒk.rə.ti
平凡さ (heibansā)

Being average or ordinary, not particularly good.

"He refused to settle for mediocrity and aimed for greatness."

"彼は平凡さに満足せず、偉大さを目指して努力した。" (Kare wa heibansā ni manzoku sezu, idaisa o mezashite doryoku shita.)
noun C1
/ˈmɛdli/
メドレー (medorē)

A mixture of different things, especially musical tunes combined together.

"The band played a medley of popular songs."

"バンドは人気のある曲のメドレーを演奏しました。" (Band wa ninki no aru kyoku no medorē o ensō shimashita.)
adjective C1
/miːk/
おとなしい (otonashii)

Quiet, gentle, and submissive in nature.

"Despite his strength, he remained meek and humble."

"力強さにもかかわらず、彼はおとなしく謙虚でした。" (Chikaradzuyosa ni mo kakawarazu, kare wa otonashiku kenkyō deshita.)
adverb C1
/ˈmiːk.li/
従順に; おとなしく (jūjun ni; otonashiku)

in a quiet, gentle way; without resistance or protest

"He meekly accepted the criticism without arguing."

"彼は反論せずに従順に批判を受け入れた。" (Kare wa hanron sezu ni jūjun ni hihan o ukeireta.)
Meekness definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˈmiːknəs/
謙遜 (kenson)

The quality of being quiet, gentle, and submissive

"His meekness was often mistaken for weakness by his colleagues."

"彼の謙遜はしばしば同僚に弱さだと誤解された。" (Kare no kenson wa shibashiba dōryō ni yowasa da to gokai sareta.)
adjective C1
/ˌmel.ənˈkɒl.ɪk/
悲しくて思慮深い; 悲しみを表現するまたは感じる (merankorikku)

sad and thoughtful; feeling or expressing sadness

"The melancholic music made everyone feel sad."

"メランコリックな音楽は、誰もが悲しく感じさせました。" (Merankorikku na ongaku wa, daremo ga kanashiku kanjisasemashita)
Melancholy definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˈmɛlənˌkɒli/
憂鬱 (yuuatsu)

A deep, persistent sadness or gloom.

"She felt a deep melancholy after hearing the tragic news."

"彼女は悲劇的なニュースを聞いた後、深い憂鬱を感じた。" (Kanojo wa higeki-teki na nyuusu wo kiita ato, fukai yuuatsu wo kanjita.)
adjective C1
/ˈmel.əʊ/
柔らかくて心地よい; 落ち着いていて優しい (merou)

soft and pleasant; relaxed and gentle

"The mellow evening light created a peaceful atmosphere."

"穏やかな夕方の光が平和な雰囲気を作り出しました。" (odayakana yūgata no hikari ga heiwa na fun'iki o tsukuridashimashita.)
adjective C1
/məˈloʊdiəs/
メロディアス (merodiasu)

Having a pleasant tune; tuneful.

"She played a melodious tune on the piano."

"彼女はピアノでメロディアスな曲を演奏した。" (Kanojo wa piano de merodiasu na kyoku o ensō shita.)
noun C1
/ˈmɛləˌdrɑːmə/
誇張したドラマ (kochou shita dorama)

A dramatic piece with exaggerated characters and exciting events intended to appeal to the emotions.

"The movie was criticized for its excessive melodrama."

"その映画は過剰なメロドラマで批判されました。" (Sono eiga wa kajou na merodorama de hihan saremashita.)
noun C1
/ˈmɛm.breɪn/
(maku)

A thin layer of tissue or material that covers, separates, or connects structures.

"The cell membrane controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell."

"細胞膜は物質の細胞内外の移動を制御します。" (Saibōmaku wa busshitsu no saibōnaigai no idō o seigyō shimasu.)
noun C1
/məˈmɛn.toʊ/
記念品 (kinenhin)

An object kept as a reminder of a person, place, or event.

"She kept the ticket as a memento of their first concert together."

"彼女は最初のコンサートの記念品としてチケットを保存しました。" (Kanojo wa saisho no konsaato no kinenhin toshite chiketto o hozon shimashita.)
memoir definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˈmɛm.wɑːr/
回想録 (kaisōroku)

A historical account or autobiography written from personal experience.

"The author’s memoir details her journey through hardship and success."

"著者の回想録は、彼女の苦難と成功の旅路を詳述しています。" (Chosha no kaisōroku wa, kanojo no kunan to seikō no tabiji o shōjutsu shiteimasu.)
memorization definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
ˌmɛməraɪˈzeɪʃən
暗記 (anki)

The process of learning or committing something to memory

"Memorization of important information is crucial for exams."

"重要な情報の暗記は試験において重要です。" (Jūyōna jōhō no anki wa shiken ni oite jūyō desu.)
Menace definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun/verb C1
/ˈmɛnəs/
幸福 (kōfuku)

a person or thing that is likely to cause harm; to threaten in a hostile manner

"The hurricane became a menace to the coastal towns."

"彼女は賞を受け取ったとき、幸福を隠すことができませんでした。" (kanojo wa shō o uketotta toki, kōfuku o kakusu koto ga dekimasen deshita.)
noun C1
/ˈmɜːrsəˌnɛri/
傭兵 (youhei)

a professional soldier hired to serve in a foreign army; also used to describe someone motivated solely by money.

"The mercenary fought for whoever paid the highest wage."

"傭兵は最も高い給料を支払った人のために戦った。" (Youhei wa mottomo takai kyūryō o shiharatta hito no tame ni tatakatta.)
adjective C1
/ˈmɜːrsɪfəl/
慈悲深い (jihi fukai)

showing compassion or forgiveness towards someone one has the power to punish or harm.

"The judge was merciful and gave him a lighter sentence."

"裁判官は慈悲深く、彼に軽い判決を与えました。" (Saibankan wa jihi fukaku, kare ni karui hanketsu o ataemashita.)
adjective C1
/ˈmɜːrsɪləs/
無慈悲 (mujihi)

showing no mercy or compassion; cruel and ruthless.

"The dictator was merciless in crushing the rebellion."

"独裁者は反乱を抑えるのに無慈悲でした。" (Dokusaisha wa hanran o osaeru no ni mujihi deshita.)
merger definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˈmɜːrdʒər/
合併 (gappei)

The combination of two or more companies into a single entity.

"The merger of the two firms created the largest bank in the region."

"2社の合併により、地域で最大の銀行が設立されました。" (2sha no gappei ni yori, chiiki de saidai no ginkō ga setsuritsu saremashita.)
noun C1
/məˈræŋ/
メレンゲ (デザートトッピング) (merenge (dezāto toppingu))

A light dessert topping made from whipped egg whites and sugar.

"She decorated the pie with a fluffy meringue topping."

"彼女はパイにふわふわのメレンゲを飾った。" (Kanojo wa pai ni fuwafuwa no merenge o kazatta.)
merit-based definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective C1
ˈmer.ɪt beɪst
実力主義 (jitsuryoku shugi)

Based on or determined by individual merit, ability, or achievement rather than other factors.

"Merit-based recruitment strengthens the workforce."

"実力主義の採用は労働力を強化します。" (Jitsuryoku shugi no saiyō wa rōdōryoku o kyōka shimasu.)
verb (past) C1
/ˈmɛrɪtɪd/
価値がある (kachiga aru)

Deserved or earned something.

"Her dedication merited recognition from the community."

"彼女の献身はコミュニティからの認識を得るに値しました。" (Kanojo no kenshin wa komyuniti kara no ninshiki o eru ni ataimashita.)
noun C1
/ˌmɛrɪˈtɒkrəsi/
メリトクラシー (meritokurashī)

A system in which advancement is based on individual ability or achievement.

"In a true meritocracy, the most capable people rise to leadership positions."

"真のメリトクラシーでは、最も有能な人々がリーダーシップの地位に上がります。" (Shin no meritokurashī de wa, mottomo yūnōna hitobito ga rīdāshippu no chii ni agari masu.)
Meritorious definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective C1
/ˌmɛrɪˈtɔːriəs/
功績がある (kōseki ga aru)

Deserving reward, praise, or recognition.

"She received a scholarship for her meritorious academic performance."

"彼女はその功績がある学業成績で奨学金を受け取った。" (Kanojo wa sono kōseki ga aru gakugyō seiseki de shōgakukin o uketotta.)
adverb C1
/ˈmerɪli/
楽しそうに (tanoshisou ni)

in a cheerful and joyful manner

"The children played merrily in the garden."

"子供たちは庭で楽しそうに遊んでいました。" (Kodomotachi wa niwa de tanoshisou ni asonde imashita.)
verb, noun C1
/mɛʃ/
メッシュ, 絡ませる (messhu, karamaseru)

To fit or work together properly; or a material made of interlaced threads.

"The two gears mesh perfectly to keep the machine running smoothly."

"二つの歯車が完璧に噛み合って、機械がスムーズに動く。" (Futatsu no haguruma ga kanpeki ni kamiatte, kikai ga sumūzu ni ugoku.)
mesmerize definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
verb C1
/ˈmɛzməˌraɪz/
魅了する (miryou suru)

To capture complete attention; to hypnotize or fascinate.

"The dancer's graceful movements mesmerized the audience."

"ダンサーの優雅な動きは観客を魅了しました。" (Dānsā no yūga na ugoki wa kankyaku o miryō shimashita.)
metabolic definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective C1
ˌmet.əˈbɒl.ɪk
代謝の (taisha no)

Related to the chemical processes within living organisms to maintain life.

"A fast metabolic rate helps in weight management."

"速い代謝率は体重管理に役立ちます。" (Hayai taisha ritsu wa taijū kanri ni yakudachimasu.)
metabolize definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
verb C1
məˈtæb.ə.laɪz
成長のために食物を処理して利用する (seichou no tame ni shokumotsu o shori shite riyou suru)

Process and use food for growth and to replace tissue, or process other substances in the body.

"The liver helps to metabolize toxins."

"肝臓は毒素をメタボライズするのを助けます。" (Kanzou wa dokuso o metabolize suru no o tasukemasu.)
metal contamination definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
ˈmetəl kənˌtæməˈneɪʃən
金属汚染 (kinzoku osen)

The presence of toxic metals in the environment that pose health and environmental risks.

"Metal contamination poses severe health risks."

"金属汚染は健康に深刻なリスクをもたらす。" (Kinzoku osen wa kenkō ni shinkoku na risuku o motarasu.)
metamorphosis definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˌmɛtəˈmɔrfəsɪs/
変態 (hentai)

A process of transformation from one form to another, especially in biology, such as the change from a caterpillar to a butterfly.

"The metamorphosis of the tadpole into a frog is fascinating."

"オタマジャクシからカエルへの変態は魅力的です。" (Otamajakushi kara kaeru e no hentai wa miryokuteki desu.)
adjective C1
/ˌmɛtəˈfɔːrɪkəl/
比喩的な (hiyuteki na)

Characteristic of or relating to metaphor; figurative rather than literal.

"He used metaphorical language to describe his emotions."

"彼は感情を表現するために比喩的な言葉を使った。" (Kare wa kanjou o hyougen suru tame ni hiyuteki na kotoba o tsukatta.)
adjective C1
/ˌmiːtiˈɔːrɪk/
流星に関連する; 非常に迅速で、しばしば一時的な。 (ryuusei ni kanren suru; hijou ni jinsoku de, shibashiba ichijiteki na.)

Relating to meteors; very rapid and often temporary.

"The singer’s meteoric rise to fame surprised everyone."

"歌手の流星のような名声の上昇は皆を驚かせた。" (Kashu no ryuusei no you na meisei no joushou wa mina o odorokaseta.)
meteorological definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective C1
/ˌmiː.ti.ə.rəˈlɒ.dʒɪ.kəl/
気象学的 (kishōgakuteki)

related to the study of the atmosphere and weather

"The meteorological department predicted heavy rainfall this week."

"気象学部門は今週の大雨を予測しました。" (Kishōgakubumon wa konshū no ōame o yosoku shimashita.)
noun C1
/ˌmiːtiəˈrɒlədʒi/
気象学 (kishougaku)

The scientific study of the atmosphere and weather.

"He chose to specialize in meteorology to study weather patterns."

"彼は天気のパターンを研究するために気象学を専門に選びました。" (Kare wa tenki no pataan wo kenkyuu suru tame ni kishougaku wo senmon ni erabimashita.)
methodical definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective C1
/məˈθɒdɪkəl/
体系的な (taikeiteki na)

Done in an orderly and systematic way.

"She followed a methodical approach to solving the problem."

"彼女は問題解決に体系的なアプローチを取った。" (Kanojo wa mondai kaiketsu ni taikeiteki na apurōchi o totta.)
meticulous definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective C1
/məˈtɪkjʊləs/
几帳面 (kichoumen)

Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.

"The artist was meticulous in painting every tiny detail."

"その芸術家は、すべての小さな詳細を描くのに几帳面でした。" (Sono geijutsuka wa, subete no chiisana shousai o kaku no ni kichoumen deshita.)
meticulousness definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
mɪˈtɪkjʊləsnɪs
詳細への注意 (shousai e no chuui)

Great attention to detail; very careful and precise.

"His meticulousness made the project successful."

"彼のメティキュラスネスはプロジェクトを成功させました。" (Kare no metikyurasunesu wa purojekuto wo seikou saseshimashita.)
Metropolis definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/məˈtrɒpəlɪs/
大都市 (daitoshi)

A large, important city that is a hub of culture, business, and population.

"New York is often described as a global metropolis."

"ニューヨークはしばしば世界的な大都市として説明されます。" (Nyū Yōku wa shibashiba sekaiteki na daitoshi toshite setsumei saremasu.)
microbial definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective C1
/maɪˈkroʊ.bi.əl/
微生物に関連する (biseibutsu ni kanren suru)

Relating to microorganisms, especially bacteria.

"Microbial activity in soil helps in nutrient cycling."

"土壌中の微生物活動は栄養素の循環に役立ちます。" (Dojo-chu no biseibutsu katsudō wa eiyōso no junkan ni yakudachimasu.)
microclimate definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˈmaɪ.krəʊˌklaɪ.mət/
ミクロクライメート (mikurokuraimeto)

The climate of a small, specific area that differs from the surrounding climate.

"The microclimate in valleys is often cooler than in surrounding areas."

"谷間のマイクロクライメートは周囲の地域よりも涼しいことがよくあります。" (Tani ma no mikurokuraimeto wa shuui no chiiki yori mo suzushii koto ga yoku arimasu.)
micronutrient definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
ˈmaɪ.krəʊˌnjuː.tri.ənt
微量栄養素 (biryō eiyōso)

Essential nutrients required by the body in small amounts, including vitamins and minerals.

"Iron and zinc are essential micronutrients for growth."

"鉄分と亜鉛は成長に必要な微量栄養素です。" (Tetsubun to aen wa seichō ni hitsuyōna biryō eiyōso desu.)
micronutrients definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˈmaɪ.krəʊˌnjuː.tri.ənts/
微量栄養素 (biryou eiyouso)

Essential nutrients required in small amounts for proper body function, including vitamins and minerals.

"Micronutrients like iron and zinc are essential for immunity."

"鉄や亜鉛などのマイクロニュートリエントは免疫力にとって重要です。" (Tetsu ya aen nado no maikuro nyuutoriento wa men'eki-ryoku ni totte juuyou desu.)
adjective C1
/ˌmaɪ.krəˈskɑː.pɪk/
顕微鏡的 (kenbikyō-teki)

Extremely small and only visible with a microscope.

"The sample contained microscopic particles."

"サンプルには顕微鏡的な粒子が含まれていました。" (Sanpuru ni wa kenbikyō-teki na ryūshi ga fukumarete imashita.)
Middleman definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˈmɪdəlˌmæn/
仲介者 (chūkaisha)

A person who acts as a link between buyers and sellers, often in business deals.

"The farmer sold his crops directly, without a middleman."

"農夫は直接作物を売りました、仲介者なしで。" (Nōfu wa chokusetsu sakumotsu o urimashita, chūkai-sha nashi de.)
noun C1
/ˌmɪdˈsʌm.ər/
真夏 (manatsu)

The middle of summer, often around the summer solstice in June.

"We had a festival to celebrate midsummer."

"私たちは真夏を祝うためにフェスティバルを開きました。" (Watashitachi wa manatsu o iwau tame ni fesutibaru o hirakimashita.)
adverb C1
/ˈmɪd.weɪ/
途中 (tochū)

in the middle of an event, process, or distance

"He stopped midway through his speech."

"彼はスピーチの途中で止まりました。" (Kare wa supīchi no tochū de tomarimashita.)
noun C1
/ˈmɪd.waɪf/
助産師 (josanshi)

A person, typically a woman, trained to assist women during childbirth.

"The midwife stayed with the mother throughout her labor."

"助産師は出産中ずっと母親と一緒にいました。" (Josanshi wa shussan-chū zutto hahaoya to issho ni imashita.)
adjective C1
/ˈmaɪɡrəˌtɔːri/
渡り鳥の (watari tori no)

Relating to or characterized by migration, especially animals or people moving from one place to another.

"Migratory birds travel thousands of miles each year."

"渡り鳥は毎年何千マイルも旅をする。" (Watari tori wa mainen nan sen mairu mo tabi o suru.)
noun C1
/ˈmaɪlɪdʒ/
燃費 (nenpi)

The distance traveled in miles, or the fuel efficiency of a vehicle.

"This car gives excellent mileage on highways."

"この車は高速道路で優れた燃費を提供します。" (Kono kuruma wa kōsokudōro de yūretta nenpi o teikyō shimasu.)